“To contribute to improved animal welfare as a world leading provider of expert information, advice and education underpinned by rigorous research”
The AWSC is a partnership of The University of Melbourne Veterinary School, The Ohio State University and the Livestock Behavioral Unit of the United States Department of Agriculture
Our scientific research and teaching capacity in animal welfare science is considerable and we have made many important national and international contributions to animal welfare research, teaching and training.
10/03/2026
The recording of the seminar, 'Brown Hens are from Mars, White Hens are from Venus', presented by Professor Tina Widowski, University of Guelph, hosted by the Animal Welfare Science Centre, The University of Melbourne is now available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rpdlaZaRuY
28/01/2026
White- and brown-feathered laying hens dominate global egg production, yet they differ in behaviour, physiology, welfare risks, and management needs in ways that are often underestimated. Join us to explore and understand! Further details and registration here: https://widowski.eventbrite.com.au
09/09/2025
Don’t miss this! Sure to be excellent
From farming to conservation, our bond with animals is full of contradictions. What do we owe the creatures we rely on? And how do we protect them while meeting human needs? 🐮🌏
Join leading experts at our final Science at Melbourne for 2025 live from Parkville Campus and unpack the science, ethics, and emotion behind our relationships with animals.
📍 Parkville Campus
📅 October 8, 6-7.30pm
🎤 Featuring:
Palawa veterinarian and senior lecturer Dr Cam Raw
Animal behavior and welfare expert Dr Peta Taylor
Senior Conservation Biologist Dr Marissa Parrott from Zoos Victoria
Moderated by urban ecologist Dr Kylie Soanes
Tap to register ➡️ https://unimelb.me/46drRFc
02/09/2025
AWSC had great representation at the recent International Society for Applied Ethology Conference. see all abstracts and posters here.
https://isae2025utrecht.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ISAE_Proceedings_6aug.pdf
27/08/2025
An interesting blast from the past!!
Prof Peter Sandøe, The University of Copenhagen
"Love hurts - the dark side of human attachment to companion animals" https://vimeo.com/143197425
See all our past presentations at https://www.animalwelfare-science.net/seminarspresentations.html
AWSC Seminars AWSC seminars
27/08/2025
What the global decline of greyhound racing means for all dogs - new article by Mia Cobb in "Pursuit"
What the global decline of greyhound racing means for all dogs On International Dog Day, we’re seeing a fundamental change in how people think about animals. And anyone caring for dogs must understand it comes with profound responsibilities, says a University of Melbourne expert.
11/06/2025
Terrific to see Science at Melbourne featuring our own Dr Megan Lucas 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
09/06/2025
Less than one week to go! Don't forget to register for this FREE seminar exploring the current state of knowledge on effective and practical environmental enrichment opportunities across different animal settings: https://enrichment.eventbrite.com.au/
28/05/2025
Registration is now open for the next free Animal Welfare Science Centre seminar, "Better Enrichment Through Better Evidence". Register here to join us in person or for the live-stream online: https://enrichment.eventbrite.com.au
07/05/2025
The National Primary Industries Animal Welfare RD&E Strategy is holding its 11th Forum (in person only) in Melbourne on June 17th. Full details and registration link can be found on its website at https://www.awstrategy.net/forum.html